Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless treat, adored across generations and continents. With a crisp golden edge and a soft, gooey center packed with melty chocolate chips, they strike the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Whether it’s a cozy night in, a lunchbox surprise, or a party snack, these cookies fit right in.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is close to my heart because it’s:
- Foolproof – Perfect for beginners or pros.
- Customizable – You can easily add nuts, switch chocolate types, or make it gluten-free.
- Comforting – Just the smell of these baking is enough to bring back fond memories.
- Crowd-pleasing – Everyone loves a warm, homemade cookie.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
These cookies are:
- Universally loved.
- Made with pantry staples.
- Better than store-bought!
- Great for bonding with kids or baking with friends.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time (Optional): 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–45 minutes (including chilling)
Nutrition Info (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions: Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips
- Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
Step 7: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are still soft.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a dessert twist.
- Great for lunchboxes, gifts, or after-school snacks.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Don’t overbake: Cookies continue cooking on the baking sheet.
- Room temp butter is key for proper creaming.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
- Brown sugar gives a richer, chewier texture.
- Rest the dough for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Variations
- Double Chocolate: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder + white chocolate chips.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt before baking.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter and egg replacers.
Freezing and Storage
Storage:
- Room Temp: In an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Fridge: Up to 10 days (reheat briefly before serving).
Freezing:
- Dough: Freeze scooped dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
- Baked Cookies: Freeze for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped.
Special Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheets
- Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
FAQ:
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt to ½ tsp.
Q: Can I skip chilling the dough?
A: You can, but cookies may spread more and be thinner.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! Store in fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.
Q: My cookies are too flat! What happened?
A: Butter may have been too warm, or dough not chilled. Also check baking soda freshness.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes, simply halve all ingredients and adjust bake time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
These classic chocolate chip cookies are a staple in any home baker’s repertoire. They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking for a party, a loved one, or just because, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
So grab your mixing bowl and get started—you won’t regret making these chewy, chocolate-packed delights. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Course: Desserts15
minutes10
minutes25
minutesIngredients
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions
- Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips Fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
- Chill (Optional but Recommended) Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
- Scoop and Bake Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are still soft.
- Cool and Serve Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.